PacSun Shirts Spark Debate: Are They Inappropriate?

The mother who bought the entire stock of “indecent” shirts from a PacSun in a Utah mall has caused quite a stir. The media frenzy that she wanted in order to bring attention to her cause hasn’t disappointed.

Judy Cox complained to the manager, but was told the shirts couldn’t be removed without corporate approval.

However, the manager told Mrs. Cox that she had refused to put up the banner that came in the shipment of shirts because it was even worse.

She told Mrs. Cox that she didn’t really want to put the shirts out either, but was following corporate orders.

“These shirts clearly cross a boundary that is continually being pushed on our children in images on the Internet, television and when our families shop in the mall,” Cox said in an email to The Associated Press.

PacSun CEO Gary Schoenfeld doesn’t see what the big deal is. He said that the company takes great pride in the designs that they feature on the shirts and other products displayed in their stores.

“While customer feedback is important to us, we remain committed to the selection of brands and apparel available in our stores,” Schoenfeld said in an emailed statement.

Judy Cox has been through the store manager, the mall manager, and the city attorney. The city attorney referred her to local police, who will decide if it is a matter for the the city attorney to look at. She has even contacted activist groups One Million Moms and Moms for Decency.

City code prohibits store owners from putting “explicit sexual material” on display where they can be seen by the general public. The city defines that as “any material that appeals to a prurient interest in sex and depicts nudity, actual or simulated sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse.”

Time will tell if the shirts will be deemed unworthy for public display. In the meantime, Judy Cox and her supporters will keep fighting.

“I hope my efforts will inspire others to speak up within their communities,” Cox said in an email. “You don’t have to purchase $600 worth of T-shirts, but you can express your concerns to businesses and corporations who promote the display of pornography to children.”